MEMBERS of the Vale of Glamorgan planning committee have undertaken their first ever review of previous planning decisions, in an attempt to ‘learn from previous developments’.

They have visited key sites around the Vale of Glamorgan, including the conversion of the Grade II listed former Sully hospital site, which is now the Hayes Point luxury apartment complex.

The planning members also visited Old Farm Mews in Dinas Powys.

The site became the subject of local outrage earlier this year after a number of contemporary - and highly contentious – new houses were erected at the site, which is located in the village conservation area and overlooks the local war memorial.

Angry residents called the design a monstrosity, and said it was out of touch with the rest of the area.

Further insult was added when the planners turned down an invitation from Dinas Community Council to explain the planning process behind the development at a meeting.

At a community question and answer session with the Vale of Glamorgan Cabinet in June, concern was raised why the plan was approved in 2008 by the Conservative administration at the time, despite being rejected – with few differences - by the Labour authority before it only a few months earlier.

Leader of the council, Councillor Neil Moore said he agreed, at the meeting in June, that the development was an ‘abomination’.

Cllr Fred Johnson, the chairman of the planning committee, said about the recent review on July 18: “It is vitally important that members take time to assess the decisions that have been made. By visiting sites that have been recently developed we can appreciate not only what is good or disappointing about the developments, but also learn and put into practice ideas and approaches when we make decisions on future planning applications. I was pleased that we were able to visit many varied sites.”

A detailed report on the feedback received from members has been asked to be presented to planning committee in the Autumn.

Visits were also undertaken the new Premier Inn hotel in Barry, the Brewers Fayre development at Barry Waterfront, the new Taylor Wimpey residential development at Golwg-y-Coed, Pencoedtre, and new housing developments at Elfed Avenue, Penarth.